From lab to market, CSIR-NIIST turns technology day into innovation showcase

Thiruvananthapuram, May 11 The CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) on Monday transformed the National Technology Day into a major industry research interface, bringing together scientists, entrepreneurs, industrialists, startups and technology partners for a day-long technofest cum customer meet that highlighted the growing push towards innovation-led development and commercialisation of indigenous technologies.

Held at the institute’s sprawling campus in Thiruvananthapuram, the event showcased how publicly funded scientific research is increasingly moving beyond laboratories into industries and real-world applications, in line with India’s larger vision of becoming a technology-driven and self-reliant economy.

The programme witnessed participation from stakeholders across sectors, including academia, industry, startups and research organisations, making it one of the institute’s most extensive outreach initiatives in recent years.

The event focused on strengthening collaboration between science and industry while showcasing the CSIR-NIIST’s expanding portfolio of translational and industry-oriented research.

Presiding over the function, CSIR-NIIST Director, Dr C. Anandharamakrishnan, said that the National Technology Day was not merely a celebration of India’s scientific achievements but also a reaffirmation of the responsibility of research institutions towards nation-building through impactful technologies.

He noted that the CSIR-NIIST has been actively pursuing application-oriented research in critical areas such as sustainable materials, nutraceuticals, food technologies, biotechnology, environmental sustainability, advanced manufacturing and circular economy solutions.

According to him, the Technofest reflected the institute’s increasing emphasis on technology transfer, startup incubation and stronger engagement with industry partners.

The keynote National Technology Day address was delivered by the AICTE's former Chairman and Distinguished Professor at the Indian Institute of Science, T. G. Sitharam.

Stressing the role of science and innovation in shaping a Viksit Bharat 2047, he said India’s future growth would depend heavily on emerging sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, artificial intelligence and green hydrogen.

Sitharam also called for the creation of AI-ready campuses and urged students and young innovators to combine technological excellence with ethics and inclusiveness.

In a striking observation, he pointed out that several global industry leaders had emerged from ordinary engineering colleges, proving that innovation and dedication mattered more than institutional labels.

CSIR-IICT's former Director and Distinguished Professor at ICT, Prof. Lakshmi Kantam, praised the CSIR-NIIST’s contributions across multiple research domains.

The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology's Director, Dr Beena Pillai, was also present on the occasion.

One of the major highlights of the event was the felicitation of industry partners and customers who have collaborated with the CSIR-NIIST on various technology-driven projects.

Representatives from industries shared how the institute’s scientific expertise had helped improve product quality, optimise industrial processes, and support innovation-led growth.

Interactive sessions, technology showcases, and presentations by scientists from various divisions added momentum to the event, with research ranging from carbon capture and sustainable packaging to specialty chemicals, biotechnology, and digital analytical technologies.

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